Season’s opener is a draw

Wimborne Town FC went into Saturday’s season opener at Merthyr Town without last season’s top scorer Mark Gamble who was struggling with an ankle injury.

Merthyr were last season’s Southern League Division One South & West top scorers so the visit to South Wales was always going to be the toughest of tests. But Wimborne came home with a point in the bag after grinding out a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeeper Jason Harvell was on top form in the face of constant Merthyr pressure. But Wimborne drew first blood as Matt Kemble put them into a 26th minute lead.

Merthyr drew level as Ryan Newman struck after the hour, but the Magpies held on for a deserved point.

The only downside to the day was a first half injury to Adam Costello.

On Wednesday night (August 13) Wimborne are on the road again when they take on Larkhall Athletic, kick of 7.45pm.

Then this coming Saturday the Magpies return to Cuthbury for the first home game of the campaign with Wantage Town the visitors. Kick of is 3pm.